Exeter Compile 42 Dates: March 15 to March 16 Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express, Day 3 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 3 Stardate: 2445.12.03 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Medical Officer, Ensign JG Heinrich Kruse, M.D. – 0120) (USS Exeter – Emergency Transporter Room 2 – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 0121) (USS Exeter – Sickbay –Nurse – CPO – Ewan McDonald– 0124) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - Tac/Sec Ens.( Sg ) Stan More - 01:28 ) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Medical Officer, Ensign JG Heinrich Kruse, M.D. – 0130) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – ACMO – Ensign Dural Methor DrPH – 0130) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Nurse – CPO – Ewan McDonald – 0133) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - Lt Jg Greta Smith – 0134) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Medical Officer, Ensign JG Heinrich Kruse, M.D. – 0134) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez & Ensign JG Heinrich Kruse, M.D – 0346) (USS Exeter - Outside DuBois Personal Quarters - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken and N&D Manager Caity DuBois - 0430) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– MedIntern aEns Lana Wakeman – 0802) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– CO, Captain Trip Williams – 0805) (USS Exeter – Officer’s mess – SOPS, LT. JG Billy Alexander and MO, ENS JG Heinrich Kruze, MD– 0830) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 0901) (USS Exeter – Deck 9 - Nine and Dine –CTO/3O Lieutenant SG. Ravok & Civilian Caity Dubois – 0902) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– CO, Captain Trip Williams– 0903) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 0904) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– CO, Captain Trip Williams– 0907) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 0908) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– CO, Captain Trip Williams– 0910) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 0911) (USS Exeter – Counselling offices– MedIntern aEns Lana Wakeman – 0930) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - CMO Office - CMO - Lt Gabe Vespers– 0950) (USS Exeter – Deck 4 Corridor – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 0951) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters– 1000) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - CMO Office - CMO Lt Gabe Vespers– 1005) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - CMO Office - ACFO, Ensign Ronnie Winters - 1006) (USS Exeter – Bridge – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1020) (USS Exeter – Counselling Offices – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1100) (USS Exeter – Counselling Department– Lieutenant – Ire Williams/ Counsellor - Sigmund Rogers – 1100) (USS Exeter – Security Office – Lt JG Greta Smith – 1101) (USS Exeter – Counselling Offices – Ensign Janice Hammerfield and Ensign Jack Roberts– 1102) ( USS Exeter - Ready Room - Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 11:04 ) ( USS Exeter - Ready Room - CO, Captain Trip Williams- 11:06 ) ( USS Exeter - Ready Room - Tac/Sec Ens. (Sg) Stan More - 11:07 ) ( USS Exeter - Personal quarters - Tac/Sec Ens. (Sg) Stan More - 11:12 ) (USS Exeter – XO’s Office - Commander Ailynn Bracken/Lieutenant Ire Williams - 1130) ( USS Exeter - Arboretum - Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 11:37 ) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 1200) (USS Exeter - Deck 9 - Nine and Dine – SPC Sec/tac Ensign Sg T'kel-12:02) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 1203) (USS Exeter - Deck 9 - Nine and Dine – SPC Sec/tac Ensign Sg T'kel-12:04) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 1205) (USS Exeter - Deck 9 - Nine and Dine – SPC Sec/tac Ensign Sg T'kel-12:06) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 1207) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 1400) (USS Exeter – Sickbay –CTO/3O Lieutenant SG. Ravok & CSO Lieutenant Jg Erin Cortez– 1401) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – CMO - Lt Gabe Vespers– 1405) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 1406) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez & Counsellor - Sigmund Rogers - 1504) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Begin Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Murder on the Exeter Express Day: 3 Stardate: 2445.12.03 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Medical Officer, Ensign JG Heinrich Kruse, M.D. – 0120) “It should be done in a few minutes. How do you like your coffee?” “I’ll take it black.” Heinrich never drank coffee before his higher education. By that point adding cream or sugar seemed like a waste for what was clearly a caffeine vehicle. And on this night, all he was looking for was the caffeine. As Ewan headed toward the replicator Heinrich stared at his patient. Her life was in his hands. The weight of responsibility and awe never went away. Ewan came back with the coffee. “Here you go doctor.” “Ah, yes. Thank you.” He took a gentle sip of his coffee. It is always too hot when it first arrives. Just then the bio-bed beeped and produced a report. Ewan brought it on screen. “Thank you, Ewan.” He closely inspected the screen as if he were shortsighted. “Oh good, this is just what I thought. The patient experienced a severe electrical injury, which you can tell by the burns across the body. As a consequence she experienced respiratory arrest, a mild heart attack, and it put her in a coma. But it doesn’t look like the damage to the heart is severe, and there is no stroke. We ought to be able to get the lungs working with a Respiratory Array, then bring her out of the coma.” He put the coffee to his lips. Perfect temperature. He downed half of it. “I’ll activate the Respiratory Array, but I’m going to need you to sedate her. Last think we need is for the patient to accidentally wake up with a tube down her throat. And with her lungs working again that could very well happen.” (Reply Ewan) Heinrich picked up a tablet and accessed the medical tools. A lamp like structure descended on Erin’s body. “Are we ready Ewan?” (Reply Ewan) “Alright, I’ll engage the Respiratory Array.” The lamp device began to glow, a gentle laser focused on the chest. The array beamed for what seemed like a half hour, but was really five minutes. Heinrich stared intently, always worried something might go wrong. When he Array finished he pressed another button to begin a diagnostic test. “Looks like the procedure was a complete success. The lungs are repaired. Remove the tube and we can begin the process of getting her out of her comatose state at 200 hours.” Heinrich gave a deep sigh of relief, and downed the rest of the coffee. (Reply Ewan) (USS Exeter – Emergency Transporter Room 2 – 2O/CEO – Lt. Cmdr. Keira Merek – 0121) =^= Yes, get some rest, sleep. But in the morning take a team, comb through everything, make sure there aren't any party favors. Also see if you can't find any sort of recording of what happened in there. But that can wait until the morning. As soon as everyone is out, consider yourself off the clock. Captain Williams out. =^= With Trip closing the channel, the end was in sight, Keira could feel the energy drain from her, the adrenaline of crisis was wearing thin. True to the order she waited until the very last person left. With no further interruptions or transport requests, Keira went about the final steps before leaving her station. She put the transporters back on standby. “Computer, this is Second Officer Lieutenant Commander Merek, lock out all holodecks restricting use to Command authorization only. Authorization Six-Two-Seven-Gamma-Pi.” Keira ordered. [Confirmed, command lock out beginning Stardate: 2445.12.03 at 0145 hours.] She sighed, saying to no one,“what a day.” She left the transporter room, headed home. (Reply none) (USS Exeter – Sickbay –Nurse – CPO – Ewan McDonald– 0124) “I’ll activate the Respiratory Array, but I’m going to need you to sedate her. Last think we need is for the patient to accidentally wake up with a tube down her throat. And with her lungs working again that could very well happen.” “Yes Doctor.” Ewan picked up the hypospray which contained the sedative. He also had a second hypospray ready with reversal drugs in case they had to wake her up in a hurry. “Are we ready Ewan?” “Yes Doctor” He placed the hypospray to Cortez’s neck and there was a soft hiss as the medication entered her system. He glanced at the monitors to make sure that there was nothing untoward happening before nodding to Kruse. “Alright, I’ll engage the Respiratory Array.” Ewan watched as the lamp device began to glow, a gentle laser focused on to Erin’s chest. The array beamed for what seemed like a half hour but was really five minutes. He gave an inward smile hoping that this would be the complicated part of the procedure. “Looks like the procedure was a complete success. The lungs are repaired. Remove the tube and we can begin the process of getting her out of her comatose state at 200 hours.” “Yes Doctor.” He scanned the console and the monitors to indicate that everything was okay and that she did not have any muscle relaxants in her system that would affect her bodies normal breathing. He moved over to Erin’s head and looked at the tube that was protruding out of her mouth. ~Glad they did not have to do a tracheostomy~ “Okay Erin I am going to take you tube out.” He knew that she was sedated and probably could not hear anything but he had been taught from his first lesson’ s as a baby nurse that informing the patient of what is happening helps. He was not sure if it was him or Erin it was helping in this case, but it did not mater. “Okay I am deflating the cuff you will feel some relaxation in your throat. With one more glace at the reading he pressed the deflation icon on the endotracheal tube. There was a soft hiss and beep as the tube’s cuff deflated. His hand hovered over the as he paused to check the vital signs for any signs of distress or rapid drop of oxygen levels. “Okay taking it out now.” Once he was happy, he took a hold of the tube and with gentle pressure pulled out the tube. He discarded it into a waist container and stepped back looking at the monitors again. “She is breathing on her own Doctor.” (Reply Kruse) He glanced at the chronometer on the sickbay wall. ~and now we wait~ (USS Exeter – Sickbay - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken - 0127) “Set for two hundred fifty joules, clear.” Dural said calmly and clearly somehow making it over the noises of sickbay. “Clear.” she gave Dural the nod and stepped back slightly. Stan’s body flopped slightly as the current went through his body. Stepping forward she looked closely at the EKG trace, “Nope, repeat at 250.” she removed her arms from the area of the biobed once more as Dr Methor activated the paddles once more. (Reply Methor) The tone on the biobed changed as the fluttering rhythm of Stan’s Atria made way for a proper sinusoidal one. Ailynn breathed a sigh of relief as Stan’s body began to clam down from the stress of the atrial flutter. “Well done.” She looked over the patient, checking his pupil response first. “Dural, can you give me his sats please? Pupils are responsive, light stimulus correct.” (Reply Methor) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - Tac/Sec Ens.( Sg ) Stan More - 01:28 ) Very slowly the images around him began to vanish. He was no longer standing on the banks of Loch Lomond. His late grandfather had vanished from view. Slowly he began to return to the real world around him. Light. Joyous and warm shine in his eyes. The sound of bag pipes sounded in his ears. But Stan shook his head and they began to fade. “Well done.” She looked over the patient, checking his pupil response first. “Dural, can you give me his sats please? Pupils are responsive, light stimulus correct.” He was back in the land of the living. More could hear voices around him. People talking. That nice Commander Bracken and Dr Methor. He owed him a bottle of kenar. Stan needed to speak. Let them know he was alive. “ Ouch...... what happened to the wee elephant that was sitting on my chest? “ Stan said aloud. ( Reply , Bracken & Methor ) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Medical Officer, Ensign JG Heinrich Kruse, M.D. – 0130) Heinrich had gone to the replicator to get another coffee. When he returned Ewan said, “She is breathing on her own Doctor.” Heinrich beamed. “Fantastic! Another job well done. Thank you Ewan for all your hard work. I’d anticipate a full recovery, the only thing to be watching for now is brain activity. There’s a chance she might start developing seizures and that would be more complicated.” He took a big swig of his coffee. “But she hasn’t shown any yet so who’s to say.” He checked the chromometer. Now was the worst part of being a doctor, the waiting. “I can’t wait until my shift is over and I can pour a stiff drink.” He muttered under his breath. (Reply Ewan, any) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – ACMO – Ensign Dural Methor DrPH – 0130) The Commander gave a look at the tracing with a practiced eye, “Nope, repeat at 250.” “Two hundred Fifty joules, aye.” Dural repeated the order. “Clear.” He warned as Bracken removed contact with the patient and biobed. Another charge flopped through the security Ensign’s body as Dural pushed the discharge button. The bed’s tone changed and Dural could make out a distinct regular series of “P” waves from the tracing’s morphology. The biobed now showed a slightly accelerated Normal Sinus Rhythm. “Well done.” She looked over the patient, checking his pupil response first. “Dural, can you give me his sats please? Pupils are responsive, light stimulus correct.” As the Commander called out her initial findings Dural called out vital signs. “BP 130 over 75, heart rate holding NSR at 83 beats per minute, hemoglobin oxygen saturation at 97%, Respirations 15 per minute. Blood glucose 87 mg/dL… “ Ouch...... what happened to the wee elephant that was sitting on my chest? “ Stan said aloud. His voice was weak, but the patient was opening his eyes. “He’s coming around.” Dural informed Dr. Bracken. (Reply Bracken) “There he is,” Dural said, “You gave us quite a scare. The defibrillator kicks like an Andorian Mule, doesn’t it?” (Reply More, Bracken) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Nurse – CPO – Ewan McDonald – 0133) Ewan looked at Cortez and paused as he looked the information on the monitors. “I can’t wait until my shift is over and I can pour a stiff drink.” Ewan grinned as he heard Kruse comment. “Mine is a single malt.” (Reply Kruse) “If you want to take a break. I can keep an eye on her for the next 30 minutes?” (Reply Kruse) (Reply Kruse) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - Lt Jg Greta Smith – 0134) She had spotted Ravok whilst talking to Ire. Knowing he was grieving, Greta stood back for a moment. Her mind was whirring with what had just happened. Ire, the one person in her life hat she had truly loved, would give her life for was now shying away from here. ~I'd be lying if I said that didn't hurt. Because It does. I just…. Hope he knows that I will be there for him when he is ready.~ Coughing gently, she stepped forward and said, "Sir?" (Reply Ravok) "I'm sorry to disturb you.. I was in the area and …" she paused, Ire's words ringing in her ears telling her he wasn't coming home. (Reply Ravok) "Sorry, I just wanted to tell you that… take as long as you need to. I'll take your duties, your shifts. " (Reply Ravok) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Medical Officer, Ensign JG Heinrich Kruse, M.D. – 0134) “Mine is a single malt.” Ewan’s comment startled Heinrich because he didn’t expect to be heard. Openly talking about drinking in a professional setting was frowned upon in Alpha 5. But clearly that wasn’t going to be a problem here. “I enjoy a good single malt every now and again,” Heinrich said joyfully, “But after tonight I’m thinking I’d rather something cheap to get the job done.” Though Heinrich said it like he was joking, he was not joking. “If you want to take a break. I can keep an eye on her for the next 30 minutes?” Heinrich nodded. “That is fine by me, I do have a report to file. Call me if she wakes up.” Heinrich walked off to his makeshift office and got to work on his doctor’s log. (Reply Ewan, any) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez & Ensign JG Heinrich Kruse, M.D – 0346) Light. Bright light was the thing she noticed first. Opening her eyes slowly, Erin tried to move her head but found it ridiculously stubborn. Taking in a breath, she tried to lift her hand.to feel her head and couldn't. Panic begin to set in as she breathed quicker. Something was holding her down. “Lieutenant Cortez,” Heinrich said with a note of caution in his voice, “can you hear me? Give me a nod.” Erin looked at the source of the voice, eyes flittering, looking around. Nodding slowly, she found the source of the voice and blinked to focus. “Oh good, good.” Heinrich took out his medical tricorder and started scanning Erin up and down her body. “Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Dr. Heinrich Kruze, the new medical officer on board the Exeter. You are in Sickbay. You got electrocuted pretty bad, but I’m anticipating a full recovery.” Opening her mouth to speak, a croak came out followed closely by a cough. Her eyes filled with fear as she found she croaked, "W… where?" The look on Erin’s eyes startled Heinrich. “Don’t try and push yourself too hard, your body is still healing itself. You are in Sickbay, on board the Exeter. You’re safe.” "Safe….?" She coughed again, sinking back into the bed and sighing heavily. The reality that she wasn’t on the Holodeck began to sink in. Trembling a little, Erin looked at him for confirmation. “Yes, safe. A group of us entered the holodeck as the program was shutting down, secured the location, and I had you brought here. You are absolutely safe. But you need to rest up.” Nodding, Erin closed her eyes for a moment. "Others… safe?" She asked, Coughing again. Heinrich paused, and stammered a bit before he could say, “Some are, some didn’t make it. I’m a doctor who deals with the living. Someone else will come and debrief you with the full details. The important thing now is you’re safe, you need some rest, and you can expect a full recovery.” Erin nodded as a tear ran down her face. Closing her eyes, she hoped she could sleep but knew that she wouldn't. Not yet. (Reply none) (USS Exeter - Outside DuBois Personal Quarters - FO Cmdr Ailynn Bracken and N&D Manager Caity DuBois - 0430) Tired wasn’t the word. Ailynn was completely, bone deep exhausted. Even caffeined up to the eyeballs, she knew that the second that she’d hit the pillow, she’d be asleep, and as much as that was a lovely prospect, there was something that she had to do first, and it wouldn’t wait. She felt awful. Intellectually she knew that she’d done everything in her power to prevent everything that had happened from happening, nonetheless, it didn’t stop the faces of the deceased from mocking her and blaming her every time she closed her eyes. ~It was all my fault~ she thought, her failure encompassing her. It was for that reason that she hadn’t gone to bed, instead writing and filing her reports, and then going to see the one person she had at the moment that possibly wouldn’t shout at her for disturbing them at this hour. She hit the door chime knowing that she looked like she was at deaths door herself, only just keeping her physical tiredness, and runaway emotions at bay, it wasn’t going to take much for her to collapse. Yawning, Caity crawled out of bed, not caring at that moment that her hair looked like someone bird would nest in. Rubbing her eyes and thankful that she had put her pyjamas on, she walked to the door and allowed entry to the person who had woken her up. At first Ailynn couldn’t say anything, couldn’t take a step forward, so she was glad when Caity gently took her hand and pulled her into her quarters. Holding her hand, Caity walked slowly to the sofa and sat down, not knowing what to say. She had heard some rumours before she had gone to bed that something had happened but, seeing Ailynn looking like she did, she knew that it had been bad. Pulling her into a hug, she said nothing. Knowing somehow that words were not needed and that what she did need right now was comfort. Ailynn felt Caity’s arms enfold her, and she sank into the embrace as she always did. The warmth, and comfort was the last straw. She broke into tears, all her emotion and exhaustion coming out all at once, her profound fear of failure taking over her emotion as her breath came in gasps. “Its…” she gasped. “So bad…” Ailynn could barely speak. “Erin...critically injured...two others dead.” she buried her face into Caity’s shoulder, the scent from her hair filling her nostrils. Letting her talk, Caity kept hold of her, gently stroking her hair. Not wanting to interrupt her. She tried to pull herself back together, but found that at the moment she couldn’t. “All my fault. I shouldn’t have rested, I wasn’t good enough or clever enough,” "Ailynn, it was not your fault. How can you think that? That…. Thing… whatever it was evil. Pure and simple." Rumour had travelled round the ship reasonably quickly, as it normally did. Ailynn had found herself pass many other officers, crew, and civilian staff carrying mixed looks, pity and curiosity being chief amongst them. Holding Caity’s embrace for a while longer while she pulled herself slowly back to herself, eventually Ailynn pulled back and regarded her girlfriend. “You heard some of it then. I know it wasn’t my fault, in my head i mean. I can’t help shouldering the blame though. It feels like if I had worked harder, not been so thick, then I could have saved them.” "You were not to blame. Trust me, I know something about blame." She responded quietly. “It doesn’t feel like it. Now, I can barely close my eyes without seeing their faces, mocking, accusatory looks on their faces. I’ve seen death before, lost patients, had people die on the table in theatre, right in front of me during an operation, this though feels so much more a direct kick to the guts.” "Because it was your crew. Your friends…. Your best friend. You said Erin was critically injured. Is she..?" Caity’s voice tapered off, not knowing how to ask the question. Ailynn shook her head. "She's alive...barely. quite literally at death's door. I can't help out, conflict of interest." She sighed. "Nesha and Clarke weren't so lucky…if that's the right expression." She leant once more on Caity’s shoulder. "Erin is strong. Stronger than she thinks but she is going to need you. Not like this. She is going to need the you that would fight her corner. She's going to need her friend." "I know." She said quietly. "I need her to survive the surgery first though." "Do you know what happened in there?" Shaking her head Ailynn spoke quietly. "I've never seen such...raw emotion, It'll take a while to reconstruct it, and I probably can't say much, but it looked like some kind of electrical energy weapon by the damage. Why would someone do that?" Tears flowed once more. "That I can’t answer. All i can say is that, whoever she was, was angry. We all do things when we're angry at the world. " She replied, resting her head on Ailynn’s. "But so angry as to be involved in the deaths of five people? I can't…" she yawned deeply. "Nor I….." She sighed, knowing that what she had said was going to be questioned. Comforted by Caity’s embrace, she felt herself relax, and begin to breathe normally. "You mentioned understanding blame? She tilted her head slightly, looking up at her girlfriend's gentle face. Cait nodded, "I can tell you. I'm… happy to if that is the right word, but whether it should be now…" Ailynn nodded, and sighed. "Feels like we have things hanging over our heads." Sighing, Caity sat back and nodded, "I had a sister. Sara. She was older than me by a few years. She was wonderful, beautiful and talented but she was troubled." Ailynn pulled away from Caity slightly, but held her hand, their intertwined fingers resting in Caity’s lap. “Troubled? How so?” She asked, gently. "She started taking things. Got into it too deep. We tried everything to help her. One day, whilst she was…. My parents left us to get some food I think. I left her alone for a few minutes… in those few minutes, she bolted." Ailynn’s blood ran cold, it was a horribly familiar story. “Oh no…” Ailynn felt her heart plunge in her chest again, knowing where the story was going. “Your parents?” "They blamed me. Said it was my fault that she ran. Got even worse when they found her a week later…" Caity’s voice trailed off, knowing that she didn't have to say, that Ailynn would understand. “Oh baby, I’m so sorry.” She swapped hands for her left, and wrapped her right arm around her girlfriend's waist. “Your parents?” "They blamed me for her… so I left. Haven't seen or spoken to them since. That was four years ago." “I had a feeling that there was something...hanging over you, just tiny things that you’ve said here and there, but I had no idea how traumatic things have been.” "This whole situation…. Whilst I have not suffered anything like those others, it has brought up things. But, it has also, in a weird way, helped." “What was she like, before her troubles I mean?” Smiling softly, "She lit up the room with her smile. She was a talented musician. She could make a piano sing. Beautiful but troubled." Ailynn felt a tear come to her eye. It was so similar to her own story, she knew that she had to tell Caity about her past, but now wasn’t the time, this was Caity’s moment to speak, and talk about her past, it wasn’t Ailynn’s moment this time. "I have some home movies of us. One of the only things I took when I left. Other than Bert and Mr Flibbles." Ailynn smiled, turning to the vivarium and then to Caity. “The penguin puppet.” She smiled gently, and slipped off her shoes and tucked her feet up, leaning her head into the crook of Caity’s shoulder as she leant back slightly. “Your Uncle help you out, back on Mars I mean?” "Yeah. He taught me everything I know. Not just about bars, but life too. He showed me what unconditional love really is." “I don’t know what to say Caity, I can’t begin to understand what you went through, there was always just me, so I was selfish growing up I suppose.” "We all have our moments. The things that try us, test us. That was mine. This maybe yours." She paused and looked at her, "You alright now?" She looked up at her, and kissed her gently on the cheek, then rested her head back down, “I’m okay, feeling a bit more settled. I always do with you, you know that. Are you okay, Miss Ruffled hair and cute space whale PJ’s” Caity hit her playfully, "That’s what you get when you wake me up at four in the morning." She paused for a moment, "You can stay here if you want to but I get the feeling there's somewhere else you want to be right now." Ailynn shook her head, “Want to be elsewhere? No.” She sighed. “As lovely as it is to see you in your nightwear for the first time, and as much as I’d like to not have to move and sleep right here on the couch, I need to go back up to Sickbay and see if Erin is awake yet.” "You need to take care of you as well. You will have been awake for a good 24 hours now. And don't try to tell me otherwise, missy. Go, see if she is awake. If not, go talk to the captain. Just talk." “I will baby. I will. I’ve no doubt I'll be under the counsellor for a few sessions anyway.” She groaned as she stood up and slipped her shoes back on, then held her arms out, however inside she was smiling deeply at Caity’s gentle care. “Can I have a hug?” "Always." She stood and enveloped Ailynn in her arms, holding gently and taking in a deep breath. Ailynn felt herself sink into the embrace, and felt a smile return to her face, and let out a happy sigh. "Oh, before you go. I swear if you tell anyone about my pj's and I will find a way to sneak Tribbles into your quarters." Ailynn laughed gently, rubbing her nose gently against Caity’s and then kissing her, before pulling her face away slightly, a happy, but tired smile on her face. “I’d better get on. I love you.” Caity heard the words but didn't respond. The words that she had longed to hear had been spoken in a moment of intense emotion and, part of her wondered if they were meant. She regretfully let Caity go, and with a gentle smile turned and left the room. It wasn’t until hours later that she realised what she’d said, blushed at the memory and she realised that she’d meant every word; she did. (Reply none) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– MedIntern aEns Lana Wakeman – 0802) "Lana sorry for making you get up early, I know you had a traumatic evening. glad to see you up and about." Trip said as he motioned for the intern to sit down. Lana shifted awkwardly in her seat. “Thank you for having me. I mean...I’ve like...had better nights you know?” She sighed. I...”A tear welled in her eye. “I don’t get what she...I...like...I didn’t know her, I spilt that drink on her the once…” Another tear. "You've endured something no cadet should have to go through, but I hope, trust, and know, you'll be stronger for it." Trip smiled. “Are you sure? I mean, it’s easy for you to say...you’ve gone through that, been tested by that fire and come out unburned, I…” She looked at him. “I’m...not even at the Academy yet and this. I feel I need to like...talk about this...but as much as this is friendly...I need…” "I have set an appointment with you to meet with Counselor Victoria Corsica at 1100 hours. Just to get a sense for how you are doing and your mental state. As I'm the one requesting it, I will have access to his evaluation, but other than myself and the counselor, it will be private and privileged. I also want you to set an appointment with Lieutenant Ravok to give a statement." “The Lieutenant, I heard rumours, but…” She shook her head, she wasn’t watching what she was saying to Trip. “I’m sorry Sir.” "Lana, tell me, are you ok?" She shook her head. “No...No I’m not…” she sighed and grunted irritably. “But that’s why we have debriefs and counselling and the like yeah?” (Reply Trip) “Captain...if it’s not presumptuous...have you ever been this scared Sir?” She paused. “I’m so sorry, very presumptuous of me.” (Reply Trip) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– CO, Captain Trip Williams – 0805) She shook her head. “No...No I’m not…” she sighed and grunted irritably. “But that’s why we have debriefs and counselling and the like yeah?” "Mental health is just as important as physical health." Trip replied with a warm smile. “Captain...if it’s not presumptuous...have you ever been this scared Sir?” She paused. “I’m so sorry, very presumptuous of me.” "Scared is relative I guess. But I've been frightened yeah. A few times." (reply Lana) "I guess the first was leading my first combat mission, Battle of the Kuiper belt. Fresh out of the academy, Remae puts me in charge of the fighter wing. I mean, damn, ya know. But we pull it off. I didn't even fly combat, I had to quarterback it all, and pray, and hope, my tactics put my people into position to succeed. We won, and no one died. But on our way home, right before landing, the Ship I was on, exploded. Everyone made it out alive, but well, Alexandra Petrova, one of the fighter wing new recruits, who I umm, slept with the night before, almost didn't make it. She was only on the ship because her fighter had been destroyed and I wanted to spend time with her. Commander Bracken performed the surgery, saved her life. But I was frightened to the core. It was my mistake, my desire to spend time with her, a kernel of lust, that put her in danger. If she died, it was on me. It was like a gut punch. I questioned everything about myself. I was 22, not even a month out of the academy. What the hell was I doing leading a fighter wing into combat. Honestly without my Sister, Ailynn, and Ash, I don't think I bounce back." (reply Lana) "Then there was the second battle of Wolf 359. We lost good men that day. It was, it was, it was like everything going at warpspeed. Hitting you from every angle. But we won. That wasn't the scary part. It was looking the family members of those we lost in the eyes, and telling them, that..." Trip paused, "That there loved ones weren't coming home. It took a lot of....well, I had to get myself pumped up to follow through. I was almost to frightened to do it. Ailynn and Ash had to hold me hands just to get me through it. I guess I have some more calls to make. It never gets easier. It never does." (reply Lana) "But I guess the time more relatable to your predicament was when after a cage match, I used to do mixed martial arts, I got jumped in an alleyway and almost died. Multiple stab wounds. Ailynn....she was the one who saved my life. Man, bleeding out at 20...Yeah I was scared. But my people, my family, my twin, Ailynn, Ash. They got me through it, everytime. I owe a lot to Ailynn Bracken." (reply Lana) (reply Lana) (USS Exeter – Officer’s mess – SOPS, LT. JG Billy Alexander and MO, ENS JG Heinrich Kruze, MD– 0830) The night shift was finally over and Billy was ready for a drink. Something smooth and beer like. Okay, not beer like, and actual beer. And Bacon, Beer and bacon. While some of the officers were eating breakfast, for Billy, it was technically dinner time. Such was the life of a Night Shifter. Billy had originally be a Beta shifter, covering mid afternoon to midnight, but his cousin, the captain, asked him to be the Duty officer on the Bridge for night shift. It was done for two reasons, one so none of the senior staff would need to, and two so that Billy could get practical command experience that would be helpful when he inevitably was transferred to a Starbase in some administrative capacity. Still, night shift meant he was unable to hang out with most of his friends. Of course the Exeter also had a bit of a doozy as well and most of the crew was waking up to the aftermath, Billy just wanted to sleep and forget. He grabbed a beer and a plate of bacon, just bacon, and sat down next to a medical officer. “You new here? Haven’t seen you in the officer’s mess before. Name’s Billy.” Heinrich’s mouth was full of food. ~Nothing invites a question quite like a mouthful of food~ he thought to himself. He swallowed and said, “Pleased to meet you Billy. I’m Dr. Heinrich Kruze. Just joined the Exeter three days ago.” He noticed Billy’s plate. “Is that all you’re going to eat, Billy?” “Leave it to a doctor to question a plateful of bacon and a side helping of beer.” Billy laughed. “I’m on the night shift, this isn’t breakfast, its probably closer to lunch than anything else. I usually wake up two hours before shift starts, so 2200, then go to bed roughly 1400. I’ll get veggies later. Just seemed with all the commotion like a beer and bacon kind of day.” Heinrich laughed louder than he had in days, “I suppose it is a beer and bacon sort of day isn’t it?” He picked up his own pint of beer and gave it a good chug. “Glad to see someone on this ship who has their priorities in order. I’m on the night shift too. Hell of a night, ‘eh?” “Yeah, bridge didn’t get much action, though I guess we didn’t crash the ship. How bout sickbay, y’all have fun there?” Billy said half drawl, half sarcasm. Heinrich chuckled, “Yeah, I’ll give you that. We had an incident in the holodeck. Obviously I can’t say too much other than I’m glad I got to be a doctor and not a coroner.” “Yeah. And let me guess, somehow Ire Williams and my ex girlfriend Erin Cortez somehow happened to be right in the middle of it. Those two attract danger like a magnet and steel.” Heinrich didn’t know what to say. Billy seemed to be in the know, but a doctor couldn’t say anything about his patients. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. I understand classified and all that jazz.” “You’re right I can’t say much. But I think you can guess the principles. Been here awhile?” “Since day one, but I know a lot of the crew from our time at the academy or on Mars. LIke I said, Erin is also my ex. She, umm courts trouble so to speak. But I’ll leave it at that. Not polite to gossip.” “I don’t think Erin is the only one courting trouble, this whole ship seems to court trouble.” “Though it is odd that we broke up and now she’s dating my cousin, but that’s all nother thing.” Billy’s comment physically hit Heinrich in the gut and his facial expression showed it. “Ouch man, that’s harsh.” “So Kruzy, tell me about yourself, why Starfleet? Me, born into it, whole family of fleeters. My maternal line, which is the captain’s paternal line, he’s my cousin believe it or not, but our clan joined Starfleet back before there was a Federation. But not many legacy brats anymore. So what about you, legacy brat? “Me? No, no.” Heinrich ate the last bit of his supper and wiped his mouth. “I was born on Alpha 5. Not much there anymore. I became a doctor to help people. And I decided that if that’s what I was going to do I had to go where the action is. So I joined Starfleet.” “Sounds fair enough.” “I just graduated this past month. This is my first tour. Do you like the Exeter?” “I do. It’s not bad. And for the record, the cousin dating my Ex is not the captain. Different cousin. The captain has a civilian wife. He stop dating officers after he slept with a subordinate. That may sound like gossip, but everybody that was on Mars at the time knows that before a big flight mission he slept with the hot russian under his command. Bourbon and blondes, what can you do.” Heinrich laughed uproariously. “He’s a starfleet captain. Isn’t that sort of thing expected?” “Well he was a lowly ensign at the time. The dude is only 23 you know. I guess thats how in disarray starfleet was. My whole class got thrown into the deep end, and now the Valedictorian and Salutatorian are commanding starships.” Heinrich knew the Federation had seen decline. He lived it. But he hadn’t realized things had gotten so dire in starfleet. “I didn’t know he was that young.” “Now he’s all in domestic bliss with his wife and what not. Me on the other hand, yeah, not ready to settle yet. Though I may or may not be in a long distance relationship with someone known as the murder fairy. So who am I to judge. What about you? Anyone special?” “Wait, wait. If I knew someone known as the Murder Fairy I think I’d want to be very clear on my relationship.” “Oh she’s not all that scary. I mean she can be, but she’s a sweetheart once you get to know her. She’s off ship right now, who knows how long. Not really sure where. I hate the word, classified.” “Hard to keep a relationship with someone classified.” “You never answered my question. Anyone special?” Heinrich stopped, and picked his words very carefully. “Once, not now. Not since I joined Starfleet. A long distance relationship just wasn’t going to work out.” He took another swig from his pint. “I’m just ready to begin a new life. A strange life it is.” “^%$# yeah it is!” Billy paused, “Sorry, my family has a genetic predisposition to cursing.” “My mom always told me not to swear, it sounds like shit.” “If you’re interested some of us night shifters get together at around 12:00 for some food and Euchre. You’re welcome to join.” Heinrich grinned ear to ear. “I’d be more than happy to join.” “Anyhoosit” Billy said, finishing the last piece of delicious bacon. “I’m gonna head out, but I’ll be seeing your around Kruzy.” Heinrich hated being called Kruzy. “See you around Billy.” With that Billy got up, smiled, and left. Heinrich finished off his beer and headed to his quarters. (Reply none) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 0901) "Thanks for meeting with me Janice." Trip said as he motioned for Hammerfield to sit down. “Of course,” she said moving over to the seat and sitting down. She hadn’t really got as mush sleep as she wanted the previous night and the bags under her eyes were surely giving it away. "Listen, before I get any further, I have set an appointment with you to meet with Counselor Jack Roberts at 1100 hours. Just to get a sense for how you are doing and your mental state. As I'm the one requesting it, I will have access to his evaluation, but other than myself and the counselor, it will be private and privileged. I also want you to set an appointment with Commander Bracken to give a statement. Is that alright?" "That seems like a reasonable step sir,” she replied nodding, “Ive been through the process. Ill get somethings ready for it,” "Anyways, with the business out of the way, let me get to the point of this meeting. Simply put Janice, I just want to know how you're doing, how you're feeling, and how you're holding up." She let out a sigh, “Me – I’m sure if I said I was fine you would say I was lying. Honestly I’m exhausted.” (reply Trip) “I don’t know... maybe an hour – two? I wasn’t really watching the clock,” she held her hand up to her mouth masking a small yawn, “It’ll be ok ill see the meeting and catch up after it.” (reply Trip) “How is everyone else doing? I mean im not numb to what happened but they knew them a lot better than I did?” she enquired looking him in the eye. The question was mostly a deflection of the topic away from herself but she was sincere in asking about her colleagues as well. (reply Trip) (USS Exeter – Deck 9 - Nine and Dine –CTO/3O Lieutenant SG. Ravok & Civilian Caity Dubois – 0902) Since he was still off duty Ravok decided to mend a situation that was bugging him. He walked into the Nine and Dine carrying a wooden case in his hands. " Excuse me Ms. Dubois " Ravok said, setting the case on the bar top. Wringing the bar towel in her hand, the voice broke Caity’s concentration. She had heard rumours about what had happened and had seen the stress wearing on the crew so, rather than hide away, she had opened the bar. A place for people to go and take time, be with friends or by themselves. Turning, she smiled and replied, "Can I help you?" " I wanted to tell you that I am sorry. You and I have never been properly introduced and since Commander..I mean Ailynn is someone I consider to be a friend I wanted to extend that consideration to you as well. " He said and slid the case towards her. Caity smiled widely, "News travels fast here. I suspect there isn't a person on board that doesn't know that." " My ears aren't just pointed decorations on the sides of my head. I can hear exceptionally well and I hear a lot of things. Plus as a matter of protocol during the investigation. I was aware of the commanders avoidance of you during that time so that it didn't appear that you were getting preferential treatment from the first officer. "Caity Dubois. And you are?" Ravok tilted his head, but quickly realized that this was a playful act to make it appear as though they didn't know each other and were meeting for the first time. " Lieutenant Ravok Shara, but please call me Ravok. " He said, playing along. "Nice to meet you, officially. " She winked. " Among my people the preservation of Mnhei'sahe is something we strive for each and every day. It's a matter of personal honor, I was hard on you , maybe a little too hard. " He said, nodding his head for her to open the case. "Aw, Lieutenant. You brought me a box." She replied, putting down the towel and opening the box. Inside was a bottle of Romulan ale, the glass of the bottle itself had raised lettering and numbers on it, written in the Romulan language. "Oh… my.. you really didn't need to. Romulan ale?" " It's a special bottle. I gave the captain an entire case for his wedding. This particular bottle was made in 2386 the final stock of pure ale ever made on Romulus. The raised characters on the bottle say the year and origin. It's from the Lek'Vi southern continent where my family came from, so it's good stuff because everyone knows the northerners couldnt brew a cup of water if they wanted too. " Ravok said with a laugh. "Being a bar manager, I know a thing or two about alcohol. " She replied with a smile. "But seriously, you didn't need to. You were doing your job. I respect that. I took no offence. " Ravok looked around quickly and leaned slightly over the bar. " In truth this is a selfish move on my part. How I treated you doesn't sit right with me. This is my way of correcting a wrong and also doing something nice for not only you but Ailynn as well. A bottle of this with a nice dinner is something I think the two of you deserve. Hell I know she needs it. " Ravok explained. "She does. Me, not so much but I will take this gift in the manner it was intended. Thankyou." She paused for a moment and then continued, "Lieutenant, may I make an observation?" " It would be almost unusual and borderline criminal if someone in your profession didn't make an observation. It's what makes bartenders one of the most valuable jobs in the galaxy." Ravok responded. Caity nodded, "I mean no disrespect when I say this…" Ravok crossed his arms knowing that statement is usually followed by something disrespectful. "You have a weight around your neck. " Ravok let out a brief chuckle. " Ms. Dubois you have no Idea. A weight around my neck is an understatement if I've ever heard one." She smiled softly, "Takes a trained eye." " Well where do I begin? My closest friend, my sister was just in a dangerous situation and required medical help. My cousin is dead and laying on a cold table in the morgue. My best friend is walking around like a damn robot, completely void of emotion. Oh and let's not forget to mention the murderer of commander Tyko Nix on the very ship that my friend commands and if you like cherries on your ice cream my two year old daughter practically spent her entire day yesterday under the care of a F*(#!ing hologram. " Ravok paused and took a breath to calm himself. " Sorry, wow that felt good " Caity nodded, resisting the urge to laugh at his last words, she took a second. "See, this is why people call bar managers unpaid counsellors. We hear things and see things. It's a blessing and a curse. You needed to say that. Now you can take a moment, have a drink, non alcoholic of course, and just breath." " I'll have a glass of apple juice. I know I know it's a kid drink but dammit love it." He laughed. Caity laughed gently and poured him his drink. Handing it to him, she said, "I have a thing for chocolate milk." She winked. " Thank you " He said, taking the glass and taking a drink. " Can I make an observation?" "I suppose that's fair. I made one about you so go for it." " You implied that Commander Bracken is deserving of a nice dinner and good drink ,but you not so much. My observation is that you are just as deserving of it as she is maybe even more. You're a civilian taking a chance with a starfleet officer ,one whose career is on a unbelieveable ascent. Sky rocketing above her peers. Commander Bracken isn't some lucky young woman with good looks. She is a force of sheer will and determination. Hands down the most insanely intelligent person I have ever met, yet you seem to balance her out. From my point of view that makes you quite remarkable. I don't think there are many people who could be an equal to her. Yet here you are in the flesh. I'd say if that doesn't make you deserving of a good time I don't know what does. " Blushing, Caity closed her eyes briefly and then, opening them and looking into his eyes, "What are you trying to say?" " Look all I'm saying is. You need to realize the value of you. You're just as important to this ship and crew as anyone else and don't ever think otherwise." Ravok said, taking another drink of his apple juice. "That’s kind of you to say. Doesn't always feel that way. The crew, some of them, see me as an outsider. Not enlisted. But others, they see that as a good thing. I'm not bound by the same rules and regulations as say your good self. Example being, someone comes to you in private to talk. You have regulations about whether you can repeat the information up the chain of command. Me, its code of conduct. If someone came in the bar, obviously in pain or upset and needed someone to talk to… I wouldn't repeat a word. Unless I felt like it was in their best interests. I'm not a counselor, I can only help by being there. Sometimes what people need is that nudge to talk to someone close to them. Sometimes they need a bloody great shove too." Ravok smiled. " The uniform doesn't make the person. We all forget that from time to time. " he finished his drink. " Ms. Dubois it's been an honor talking with you. I must get going." "Same goes. Haven't had the chance to talk with many romulans. I would love to learn about your people someday." " Oh and go easy on the ale. It's not like the replicated S#!+ it was made with the intent of passing through a romulan liver ,it will knock you on your a$$ if you aren't careful." Ravok laughed. Caity laughed heartily. "Remind me to get you some moonshine one day. That stuff can take the paint off a starship." " Don't threaten me with a good time Ms. Dubois " Ravok said jokingly and walked out of the Nine and Dine. ( reply None ) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– CO, Captain Trip Williams– 0903) She let out a sigh, “Me – I’m sure if I said I was fine you would say I was lying. Honestly I’m exhausted.” "How much sleep have you gotten since, well last night." “I don’t know... maybe an hour – two? I wasn’t really watching the clock,” she held her hand up to her mouth masking a small yawn, “It’ll be ok ill see the meeting and catch up after it.” "Well, tell you what, you're off duty after your counseling appointment and statement. Take the day. Rest." “How is everyone else doing? I mean im not numb to what happened but they knew them a lot better than I did?” "Well, everyone falls somewhere on a scale of 1 to 10. Though no one really is past a five, I don't think." (reply Hammerfield) "Listen Janice, you've been through the ringer. You were attacked by Thorn and then kidnapped. It's ok to be vulnerable." (reply Hammerfield) Trip then passed her a box. "You were supposed to get this yesterday, but well circumstances and all that." (reply Hammerfield) Trip waited for Janice to open the box with a gold pip. "Congratulations Ensign Senior Grade Hammerfield." (reply Hammerfield) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 0904) "Well, everyone falls somewhere on a scale of 1 to 10. Though no one really is past a five, I don't think." She nodded, “Thats to be expected I guess. I hope they are able to move past it,” "Listen Janice, you've been through the ringer. You were attacked by Thorn and then kidnapped. It's ok to be vulnerable." "Vulnerable isn’t really what I would go for – but I understand the sentiment sir,” Trip then passed her a box. "You were supposed to get this yesterday, but well circumstances and all that." Janice took the box and opened it up showing a gold pip inside it. Hide original message "Congratulations Ensign Senior Grade Hammerfield." She looked at it for a moment as it glinted in the light of the room. She ran her hand over the top of the box closed it back over slowly pushing it back over to him. She looked at the box again. How could she accept it after not being able to help anyone in the last day? She had tried her best but her failure to help anyone made her feel unworthy of any reward right now. The normal excitement that would usually exude from a promotion was replaced with a feeling of extreme guilt. “I can’t accept this. It doesn’t feel right.” (reply Trip) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– CO, Captain Trip Williams– 0907) “I can’t accept this. It doesn’t feel right.” "Well this is new, I've never had to order someone to accept a promotion before." (reply Hammerfield) "Truth of the matter is, you technically are already an Ensign Senior Grade. The paperwork cleared two days ago. You've been promoted officially for the last 24 hours. I just wasn't able to get this to you." (reply Hammerfield) "So unfortunately you can't accept as your official personnel file has already been updated to reflect that you were promoted. You've earned this." (reply Hammerfield) "Though perhaps, maybe you can help me understand why this doesn't feel right." (reply Hammerfield) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 0908) "Well this is new, I've never had to order someone to accept a promotion before." "I don’t mean to put you in that position,” she replied looking back at it on the table. "Truth of the matter is, you technically are already an Ensign Senior Grade. The paperwork cleared two days ago. You've been promoted officially for the last 24 hours. I just wasn't able to get this to you." "I understand. I suppose it is a bit of an oddity,” she mulled the situation for a moment. It currently entirely one of her own making. Hide original message "So unfortunately you can't accept as your official personnel file has already been updated to reflect that you were promoted. You've earned this." "Though perhaps, maybe you can help me understand why this doesn't feel right." “Given the events of the last day. It just feels wrong sir. I’m sure you can understand that,” she wrinkled her forehead as she tried to succinctly explain before adding a compromise, “The records show that ive been promoted – maybe you could hold onto the pip sir for a while until I feel more ready to accept it? Taking it just now feels... like a betrayal. At the very least – can I have you permission to leave it off and ill put it somewhere safe?” (reply Trip) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– CO, Captain Trip Williams– 0910) “Given the events of the last day. It just feels wrong sir. I’m sure you can understand that,” she wrinkled her forehead as she tried to succinctly explain before adding a compromise, “The records show that ive been promoted – maybe you could hold onto the pip sir for a while until I feel more ready to accept it? Taking it just now feels... like a betrayal. At the very least – can I have you permission to leave it off and ill put it somewhere safe?” "Very well." Trip said with a sigh. "You have my permission not to wear it for 72 hours. But after that I expect you to wear it." (Reply Hammerfield) "I respect your feelings, I want you to know that, but I also want you to know my desire for you to wear it is that you know your worth, as a person, as a member of this crew." (Reply Hammerfield) "I also ask that you bring up this feeling of betrayal during your counseling session. Work through it now, don't let it linger." (reply Hammerfield) "You are dismissed." (Reply Hammerfield) (USS Exeter – Ready Room– Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 0911) "Very well." Trip said with a sigh. "You have my permission not to wear it for 72 hours. But after that I expect you to wear it." "Understood,” she nodded and took the box off the table sliding it into her side pocket. "I respect your feelings, I want you to know that, but I also want you to know my desire for you to wear it is that you know your worth, as a person, as a member of this crew." "Thank you,” she looked up at him, “for the kind words.” "I also ask that you bring up this feeling of betrayal during your counseling session. Work through it now, don't let it linger." "I will and Ill try not too – sir.” Hide original message "You are dismissed." (USS Exeter – Counselling offices– MedIntern aEns Lana Wakeman – 0930) Lana shook with nervousness as she approached the offices, and after walking up and down the corridor, unable to find the room, she finally realised that room #1 probably came before room #2, and so by sheer dominant will of mathematics, found her destination. It was a door. Look...there was an identical one over there...and there...and if you take a step to the left you’ll see another identical to it. This one might as well have slapped her for her attention. She looked at the chime, and challenged it, then hit it just to spite it’s existence. (reply Corsica) (USS Exeter – Counselling office – MedIntern aEns Lana Wakeman – 0932) “Counsellor Corsica?” She smiled demurely. “Please forgive me Ma’am.” she smiled. “I’ve been asked to report yourself, with regard to last nights….” she sighed, a look of sadness on her face and filling her eyes once more. “...Events.” (reply Corsica) “Thank you Ma’am” (Reply Corsica.) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - CMO Office - CMO - Lt Gabe Vespers– 0950) Gabe walked into sickbay, it was the first time he had been out of his quarters for almost a week, the flu had passed but unfortunately for the medical staff Gabe's mood had worsened; he ached but he needed to return to duty and needed to get some normality, including his personality. Nodding at the staff on duty he looked around and saw what he considered a mess ~wondeful off for a week and my sickbay turns into a dump.~ Turning swifty into his office it was clear someone else had been using it, his lab coat had been moved his chair a different height, his coffee ring stain cleared and more importantly his picture moved. "Good Morning Dr" Silvine handed him his coffee smiling "I wouldn't say good, Nurse." Gabe took the coffee and turned back to his office "Dr, are you ok?" The Bolian nurse asked trying to diffuse the situation that was clearly brewing. "I'm perfectly fine Nurse, update?" Gabe took his coffee pinched his nose ridges and sat down. "We have a few transfers to process, rounds have been done as we didn't know you were back to work you have a new doctor...." "I didn't realise I needed to keep you updated nurse, last I checked I answered to the Captain. Can you get those samples cleaned away, get our inturn to the storage room, I don't even want to look at the morgue. Nurse Silvine this is a sickbay make it look like one, I have work to do." Gabe turned and put his lab coat on, pulled the picture back to its place and slammed the mug down. "Absolutely Dr" ~or I'll make it look like a murder scene~ Silvine turned and left the office. Gabe picked up his PADD looked at the names and tapped his badge "Dr Vespers to Lt Hammerfield" (Reply Hammerfield) "Lt youre scheduled for your physical today at 1400 please be prompt in arriving at Sickbay" (Reply Hammerfield) "Thank you Lt, I'll see you at 1400" Gabe closed the channel. Tapping his badge again "Vespers to Dr Kruze." (Reply Kruze) "Ensign report to Sickbay at 1600, you're due your physical and it would be an idea to actually meet you." (Reply Kruze) (USS Exeter – Deck 4 Corridor – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 0951) =/\= Dr Vespers to Lt Hammerfield =/\= "Go ahead,” She said tapping her comm badge =/\= Lt youre scheduled for your physical today at 1400 please be prompt in arriving at Sickbay =/\= She let out a small inaudible sigh, “Of course ill see you then,” =/\= Thank you Lt, I'll see you at 1400 =/\= (USS Exeter – Sickbay - ACFO, Ensign SG Ronnie Winters– 1000) It had been an odd morning for Ronnie. She was supposed to stay over with Ailynn, who unbeknownst to the crew was actually her cousin, well once the wibbly wobbly timey wimey shenanigans were all added upm that is. However, Ailynn had left in the middle of the night, and since during the commotion Ronnie was lockdowned in Ailynn's quarters, she just fell asleep. She thought when she woke up, Ailynn would be there, but alas, she was wrong. She hated waking up in someone else's home with the owner gone, which is why she never liked house sitting. She figured Ailynn had her reasons, so Ronnie had gotten up and left to her own quarters before Ailynn had returned. In fact, Ronnie hadn't seen or heard from Ailynn all morning. Still, she had a few hours to kill before her shift at 1600, so she figured she'd go bother Gabe. Rumor had it he had released himself from his medical quarantine. If nothing else, she wanted to make sure he wasn't rushing back to work. "Knock, knock." She said peering in his doorway. "Mind if I come in?" (reply Gabe) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - CMO Office - CMO Lt Gabe Vespers– 1005) After closing the channel Gabe looked up and saw the silhouette of someone special at his door. "Knock, knock." She said peering in his doorway. "Mind if I come in?" "Rounds have been done for me, Silvine has topped up my coffee, I've as pile of PADDs I don't want to read, an absolute ton of death certificates and autopsies to coordinate, potential chest infection and an very irregular sleep pattern, but please darling, distract me; even for five mins." Gabe smiled softly and sighed. (reply Winters) "I'm fine really, grouchy but fine." He stood and took Ronnie's hand (reply Winters) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - CMO Office - ACFO, Ensign Ronnie Winters - 1006) "Rounds have been done for me, Silvine has topped up my coffee, I've as pile of PADDs I don't want to read, an absolute ton of death certificates and autopsies to coordinate, potential chest infection and an very irregular sleep pattern, but please darling, distract me; even for five mins." Gabe smiled softly and sighed. "Are you sure that you should be up and about. I'm sure a second day of rest won't kill you." "I'm fine really, grouchy but fine." He stood and took Ronnie's hand "Well stop being a grouch silly." (reply Gabe) "I'm absolutely convinced that somewhere inside you is the grouch switch and if you could just figure out how to turn it off from time to time you'd be unstoppable." (reply Gabe) Ronnie gave him a warm hug and then sat down on his desk, her feet dangling. "So, I guess we missed a lot of action yesterday. Not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing." (Reply Gabe) (USS Exeter – Bridge – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1020) Walking onto the bridge Janice paused for a moment and looked about. Everything seemed routine – she glanced over at the tactical station then moved over to the first officers office and chimed the door. (reply Bracken) Opening the door she took a step inside letting it close, “Commander – sorry to bother you. I had to give you a statement.” (reply Bracken) (USS Exeter – Counselling Offices – Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1100) Janice had been sitting in the waiting area for a bit. Leaning back in the chair she had closed her eyes and started to enter a light sleep where she cloud still hear her surroundings but her body felt light – just about to fall asleep. She could hear a few steps get louder towards her and she opened her eyes sitting back upright before getting to her feet, “Sorry – just catching a wink. Councillor Roberts I presume?” (reply Roberts) “Lead on,” she said following him into on of the offices. (reply Roberts) (USS Exeter – Counselling Department– Lieutenant – Ire Williams/ Counsellor - Sigmund Rogers – 1100) Ire touched the entrance chime on the door and slid open. He stepped into the room and looked over at Rogers. He was sitting at his table doing professional research on his tablet. The office was compact, as one would expect for a newer counsellor, but he did his best to make it homey. He kept the lights somewhat dimmed, to give it a gentle atmosphere. The walls were decorated with posters of various sports figures from different planets and cultures. He kept a bobblehead of Sigmund Freud on his table, in a transparent attempt at humour. “Counsellor. I have been told to report to you.” Rogers put his tablet down. “Well hello Lieutenant, I’ve been expecting you. Please sit down, what might you want to discuss today?” Rogers’ style was never to direct the conversation, but to to wherever the patient wanted, and however deep the patient wanted. From there he would make his evaluation and recommendation. Ire took his offered seat and looked across the desk at Rogers. “I am here because I have been ordered to by the captain.” Rogers faintly smiled. “It sounds to me like you don’t want to be here.” “I am here because I have been ordered to by the captain. That is why I am here.” “The captain has blocked out some time for us today. Why would you say he sent you to see me?” “Because of what happened this morning in the holodeck.” “Then it sounds like the Captain is concerned about you. You must have seen a lot.” “Of course he is concerned three people died in that holodeck and two were taken to sickbay as critical.” “I am glad to see you are safe. It’s a traumatic experience to go through that.” “It was traumatic for every one.” “And you would prefer to let it lie.” “Yes. I would.” “That is, of course, your prerogative. For some people it helps to talk through what they’ve seen. Putting their experiences into words helps integrate their trauma. Others would prefer to let sleeping dogs lie, and that can work. At least for a time.” Rogers paused, looking for a response. Ire paused before he responded. “I am a sleeping dogs type of person. Can I go now?” “Yes you may. I’ll be making a report to Captain Williams and, in full transparency, I will let him know you are fit to continue in service, to the best of my knowledge. However, if you do need to talk I am here. It’s no failure if you do, you’ve seen a lot that would break most people. See you around Lieutenant Williams.” “And you counsellor Rogers.” With that Ire stood up and headed out of the room. (reply none) (USS Exeter – Security Office – Lt JG Greta Smith – 1101) Walking into the security office, Greta sat down heavily in the chair behind the desk. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. ~What do I do? I love the guy but… he can't even look at me right now. He won't come near me, won't talk to me, won't let me help him.~ She opened her eyes, suddenly and painfully aware that there were tears running down her cheeks. Wiping them with the cuff of her uniform, she knew that she couldn’t do the rest of the shift. Infacy she had been all but ordered to finish early. Sighing, she stood, noted the log that she was leaving and walked out of the office, not looking at anyone. Not wanting to go home, at least not yet, she rubbed her shoulder as she headed to the turbolift and made her way to one place that she could get some peace and solitude. (Reply Any) ( USS Exeter - Ready Room - Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 11:04 ) Stan did not have long to wait before a reply came from Trip. "Ensign, that is a conversation for another day." “ I see.” Stan said "I will take it under consideration, especially after reading the report from Sickbay last night, from before you were kidnapped and what transpired there. But now is not the time. You went through a considerable amount of stress. After you have met with the counselor, after I read their report, and things have cooled down a bit. I will let you know." He should of been angry. He should of demanded an answer. But as Stan listened his common sense. That had been missing since he arrived on the Exeter. Had returned and he nodded. “ Thank you sir.” Stan said with a small grin. "I also need to take into account your conduct in sickbay, and the fact that your actions resulted in three enlisted personnel and one intern in receiving a formal reprimand in their personnel files. So there is a lot to digest. Which is why I was hoping to have this conversation later, after you've had time to unwind and rest a bit. You've been put through a hellish ordeal. Let's tackle that moment. But in the meantime, since you did request a change and have gone through hell and back, here is what I can do, and what I must do. Publicly, you're suspended from duty for 3 days as a result of the sickbay incident. The only restriction is that you use that time as a minivacation and get rest and relaxation. So consider it, one part suspension, one part 3 day weekend. Rest, read a book. Whatever. During that time, I will go over your request, look at staffing needs...." Trip paused. Science did need an officer with the passing of Ensign Clarke, but he didn't want to think about that right now, "Go over your personnel file, and read the counselors report. When that is done, I'll let you know my decision. How does that sound?" “ That sounds very reasonable sir. It’s been a wee while since I have had my nose in a good book. Plus the Loch Lomond program on the...... maybe not for a wee while. But fur all my time here I’ve not visited the arboretum. Lillian my doggy could do with some fresh grass beneath her paws.” Stan replied. ( Reply , Trip) ( USS Exeter - Ready Room - CO, Captain Trip Williams- 11:06 ) “ That sounds very reasonable sir. It’s been a wee while since I have had my nose in a good book. Plus the Loch Lomond program on the...... maybe not for a wee while. But fur all my time here I’ve not visited the arboretum. Lillian my doggy could do with some fresh grass beneath her paws.” Stan replied. "Good, take the time you need." Trip smiled. "But make sure that you make your counseling appointment and give your statement." (reply Stan) "And unfortunately, I've got to put a reprimand in your file over the sickbay incident. It happens, and it does not need to be a career breaker. I have one in my file that I got as an Ensign JG. But its protocol, and I'm sorry." (reply Stan) "You're a good kid Stan, you just need to think before leaping. Anyways. Enjoy your rest, and take care of yourself. Dismissed." (reply Stan) ( USS Exeter - Ready Room - Tac/Sec Ens. (Sg) Stan More - 11:07 ) It would be good to get some reading done. Plus if his request to go to science was agreed. Stan would need to brush up on his two subjects of expertise botany and biology. "Good, take the time you need." Trip smiled. "But make sure that you make your counseling appointment and give your statement." “ Of course sir and thank yee.” Stan said "And unfortunately, I've got to put a reprimand in your file over the sickbay incident. It happens, and it does not need to be a career breaker. I have one in my file that I got as an Ensign JG. But its protocol, and I'm sorry." “ Pay it nay mind sir. This was my own thought. I should of used my brains first and thought of the repercussions it was to cause on others .Perhaps it’s best I go to science. But when the time is correct you’ll let me know. At this moment I need a wee rest.” Stan said. "You're a good kid Stan, you just need to think before leaping. Anyways. Enjoy your rest, and take care of yourself. Dismissed." “ And you to sir.” He replied Stan stood and shook the Captains hand. Then he left the ready room. ( USS Exeter - Personal quarters - Tac/Sec Ens. (Sg) Stan More - 11:12 ) As Stan walked through the doors he gave his hands a clap. What to do first? BOOKS! He reached down and pulled out his kit bag. Putting in his hand he pulled out three books. Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson “ Well. These are a good start.” Stan said. Then he tapped his comm. badge. “ More to Commander Counsellor Corsica come in please.” He said ( Reply , Corsica ) (USS Exeter – XO’s Office - Commander Ailynn Bracken/Lieutenant Ire Williams - 1130) Ire tapped the admittance button on the office door, the door opened and he entered. “Commander Bracken. I have been told to report to you for debriefing.” Ailynn looked up from the PADD that she’d been reading, and regarded Lieutenant Williams. “Ire, of course, come in sit down.” she motioned to the replicator. “Can I get you anything?” “No thank you.” She nodded. “So. I need to find out the events before Myself and the team beamed into the holodeck last night. First things first Lieutenant, how did everything begin?” “I was in the Ops department and then all of a sudden we were transported to holodeck 3. We were all placed in stasis fields by Maxine.” “Maxine being Ensign Green.” Ailynn said carefully. “Did you recognise her at all?” “I don’t know she was I had not met her before she was not in my department but some of the other seemed to know her.” “I see. So you were kept in stasis fields, what happened next?” “This Maxine seemed to take a dislike to David Clarke and Nesha Kervick. Then out of nowhere she electrocutes Clarke because she said that he was an absolute bore.” “Just like that?” She asked puzzled. “The safeties were all off when you arrived I assume?” “Yes but we only found out when Clake died.” “I understand. What happened next? How did Nesha end up being killed?” “Something had happened between Cortez and Maxine. I was dealing with Greta at the time but Maxine was going to make Cortez pay for her insolence and she killed Nesha like she had Clarke with electrocution.” Ailynn nodded, a gentle frown of concern and concentration on her face. “I’ve jumped a step it seems. Forgive me, tell me about Greta, Greta was in there too?” “Yes Greta. Maxine though it would be funny for me to fight her to the death. So she made a hologram of her and made it attack me.” Ailynn nodded. “I understand. So she made you fight Greta, killed Nesha to spite Lieutenant Cortez. Did she give any indication about how she knew so much?” “She spoke a lot but I did not hear everythings she was saying. She did talk about body swaps and wishing she had picked the captain and talked about being an empress.” “And the others, how where they tortured?” “She made Ensign Sleeford hold his breath for one moment as she tried to drown him. She then electrocuted Lieutenant Cortez anyway even after making her watch Nesha’s death. Lieutenant Corsixa, Ensign More and the Intern Wakeman had to do truth or die questions while Ensign Sleeford was drowning. I am sorry that I am not more specific but I was not concentrating on what was happening to them at the time.” Ailynn smiled gently and shook her head. “It’s perfectly okay, the more information that we have, the better, but it’s understandable that you’ll have gaps all things considered.” She paused a moment. “You have no recollection of the questions that were asked?” He paused for a moment thinking back on all the crazy things that Maxine had said. “ She was goading Ensign More telling him that he was a bully and that he was a petulant child and that he was his own worst enemy.” he paused again. “He was the reason for Lieutenant Cortez for getting electrocuted. Intern Wakeman was asked if her potential was going to be awakened or would she not be enough and if she was wasting her time in starfleet. Ensign Hammerfield was asked why she transferred from engineering from tactical? Was she afraid of death or was she weak. I can not remember any other questions she asked the others.” Ailynn nodded, making a mental not of a couple of things. “Okay so I think that we’re into the home stretch.” She drew breath, An oblique thought crossing her mind, before we go further, can I ask a silly question? Did you recognise anything about Maxine at all? The words she used, her cadence of speech perhaps?” He shook his head. “No I did not. Nothing she said or did was familiar to me.” “Hmm. Nothing that compares in any way to anything that you may have heard recently?” “No.” Ailynn nodded, shifting her thoughts once more. “Okay, last couple of questions. You managed to kill Maxine. Can you tell me the events that led up to this.” She shifted in her seat. “And can I impress on you to be as exact as possible.” “She was taunting me about killing Greta. She told me that I had a free shot, then dropped the stasis field and I took the opportunity. She had already killed four people, tried to drown another and hurt others. This looked like the only option and as I was the closest person I took the opportunity to stop her from hurting other people.” He paused for a moment. “I stopped her but she had some kind of failsafe which dissolved her body once she died. As soon as she died the holodeck shut down and you all transported in.” “Are you able to tell me what you used to make the strike? And where? The….Free shot as you say?” Ailynn looked at him, regarding him calmly, though her full intellect was switched on. “I used one of the two dagger that she had given to me and Greta for the fight. It went through her ribs and into her heart. She died and then very quickly dissolved but she did say something before she died. He paused for a moment as he tried to recollect what maxine had said. “She said ‘My time is at an end. I underestimated you Exeter, and I paid the price. All because I needed to make sure Tyko Nix died. And now here I am dead. I was to be an empress, in the end, I was just a footnote in history. Sad. End program.’ and then you all came in.” “So...you stabbed her, and after she spoke those words...she dissolved to ash? Sounds awfully like you used a phaser Mr Williams. Where did you get it?” In her mind she knew he hadn’t, she just wanted to see his reaction. Her face remained utterly expressionless. “I did not have a phaser. I would have used the phaser earlier if I had had one. I had the dagger which was my only option.” Ailynn nodded. “So she was stabbed by you, gave her swansong, and then...the next bit I saw on my arrival into the room, but I want your take...she ‘dissolved’ Your thoughts?” she pushed him. “Some kind of fail safe that activated when she died. She knew that she was going to get caught so she needed to die so that we could not catch her.” “I understand.” She drew breath, and held his gaze. “With all this fresh in your mind, what would you do differently?” her tone was gentle, but her gaze impasse as it was, was reading his every response. “Choose truth not death.” Ailynn nodded, and once more held Ire’s gaze, with a gentle smile fixed to her face. “I have nothing more, If there’s nothing else you need to add Lieutenant? Anything at all?” “No Commander.” “Then you are dismissed.” Ailynn nodded a friendly dismissal. “If anything else occurs to you Ire, anytime. You can talk to me….Ire. you hear me?” “Yes.” “Dismissed Lieutenant.” She nodded toward the door, her eyes deep in thought. Ire stood up from his chair, turned and left the office without a backward glance. Sighing gently, Ailynn leant back in her chair, and watched the doors close… (Reply none) ( USS Exeter - Arboretum - Tac/Sec Ens.(Sg) Stan More - 11:37 ) Stan hoped very much that the Captain would allow him to switch to science. Because after only three minutes of walking through the Arboretum. More had let Lillian loose , put down his nap sack containing his three books , a packed lunch and a flask of tea. Rolled up his sleeves and started moving plants around. He had noticed some Betazed night roses. Had been planted far to near some Petunias from Earth. True both plants looked quite pleasing together. But the Betazed night Roses roots would steal all the nutrients from the soil. That the Petunias needed to thrive by. He could already see some foliage starting to wilt. Stan had to act quickly. He moved the Petunias to a much better place. “ There ye go my wee beauties. That’s better aye.” He said giving the soil around them a gentle pat. After sitting down he took a sip from his flask of tea. Then he tapped his comm. badge. “ More to Commander Bracken come in please.” He said ( Reply , Bracken ) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 1200) In one of the corners of the room Janice sat with a bowl of soup. Nice warm tomato soup and a soft roll. She had taken a few spoonful’s out of it so far but mostly she was pushing it around. She was currently tossing up between being hungry and tired. Occasionally there was a gap where she could take a bite. Looking up at the room she watched for a moment as people came in and out – back and fourth before glancing back down at her bowl and taking another spoon to her mouth. She blew on it a few times and slowly ate the soup. Swallowing it she pulled out the box in her pocket and sat it on the table beside her. She left it there sitting beside her to watch her. (reply T’kel, any) (USS Exeter - Deck 9 - Nine and Dine – SPC Sec/tac Ensign Sg T'kel-12:02) T'kel had left his quarters to walk around. He was feeling remarkably well. Dr. Methor was certainly skilled in his craft. As he walked he replayed the situation in the science lab over and over in his head. It was bothering him immensely he spent hours each day practicing his martial skills. Yet he was taken down so easily by a human nonetheless. Walking by the Nine and Dine he saw Ensign Hammerfield past the people in there. She was sitting in a corner. He went to walk away but stopped and looked back over at the entrance. With his arms folded behind his back we entered the establishment. He made his way to the table where Hammerfield was sitting. " There was a lot of commotion last night. I have heard only scattered fractions of information about what transpired, but I heard your name. Are you alright Ensign Hammerfield?" ( reply Hammerfield) T'kel smirked ever so slightly, so slight it was barely noticeable. " I am...pleased that you are alive. May I sit down?" ( reply Hammerfield) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 1203) " There was a lot of commotion last night. I have heard only scattered fractions of information about what transpired, but I heard your name. Are you alright Ensign Hammerfield?" Janice looked up slowly from her soup sluggish from lack of sleep, “Mister T’kel! Im sorry I meant to come by the sick bay. I never got the chance.” She stood up and move her head to the side to get a look at him, “I... I’ve been better.” T'kel smirked ever so slightly, so slight it was barely noticeable. " I am...pleased that you are alive. May I sit down?" “Please do,” Janice sat back down in her seat as well, “How are you? You had taken a rather nasty hit there?” ( reply T’Kel) “I’m glad they patched you up so efficiently,” she nodded to him, “Thank you for your help in the science lab. Things would have been a lot different if you weren’t there.” ( reply T’Kel) (USS Exeter - Deck 9 - Nine and Dine – SPC Sec/tac Ensign Sg T'kel-12:04) “Please do,” Janice sat back down in her seat as well, “How are you? You had taken a rather nasty hit there?” He sat down " I have been better, but I have been worse. My ribs have and still are causing me the most discomfort. Dr. Methor and his personnel did an admirable job addressing my injuries. “I’m glad they patched you up so efficiently,” she nodded to him, “Thank you for your help in the science lab. Things would have been a lot different if you weren’t there.” He raised his brow. " I suppose I provided quite the distraction. I am thankful that you asked me to assist you or else you might not be here. I have been given the day off to recover. I will resume my duties as an oncall officer tomorrow." He said. ( reply Hammerfield) T'kel looked at her soup. " Tomato?" ( reply Hammerfield) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 1205) "I suppose I provided quite the distraction. I am thankful that you asked me to assist you or else you might not be here. I have been given the day off to recover. I will resume my duties as an oncall officer tomorrow." Janice nodded, “Much the same here,” Hide original message " Tomato?" "Indeed would you like some? To be honest im kinda struggling with it,” she twisted it round a bit towards him. (reply T’kel) “I’m afraid my problems are less physical and more emotional,” she tapped her head where she was hit a very light bruise showing through her skin now, “Well that’s what the councillor says – and he’s probably right.” (reply T’kel) (USS Exeter - Deck 9 - Nine and Dine – SPC Sec/tac Ensign Sg T'kel-12:06) "Indeed would you like some? To be honest im kinda struggling with it,” she twisted it round a bit towards him. He shook his head. " No thank you Ensign Hammerfield, I am not hungry. Are your injuries preventing you from consuming your meal? " “I’m afraid my problems are less physical and more emotional,” she tapped her head where she was hit a very light bruise showing through her skin now, “Well that’s what the councillor says – and he’s probably right.” He looked at her and made a face of discomfort. " I am having a difficult time with ...feelings. It started yesterday when I had to escort Ensign Sleeford in for questioning. I was overcome with an urge to feel emotion. I did not want to take him in for questioning. He is someone I respect. However now I am dealing with a rather frustrating sensation that I do not fully understand. " ( reply Hammerfield) " I spend 4 hours everyday training my martial skills and another 4 hours in meditation. Yet all my efforts seem to have been pointless. An unarmed human wounded me and made all my training irrelevant. I however hypothesize that Ensign Thorn didn't just wound me physically, but mentally as well. Perhaps we are experiencing the same thing ?" T'kel asked. Trying to make sense of everything ( reply Hammerfield) (USS Exeter – Nine and Dine – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 1207) "I am having a difficult time with ...feelings. It started yesterday when I had to escort Ensign Sleeford in for questioning. I was overcome with an urge to feel emotion. I did not want to take him in for questioning. He is someone I respect. However now I am dealing with a rather frustrating sensation that I do not fully understand. " Janice paused for a moment and looked at him before reaching down to the soup and turning it back round, “I know that you still have emotions just they are very controlled. I never imagined you would have difficulty with them?” She paused again, “Sorry that came out wrong... I meant I thought that you have practices you do to keep your emotions in check.” Hide original message " I spend 4 hours everyday training my martial skills and another 4 hours in meditation. Yet all my efforts seem to have been pointless. An unarmed human wounded me and made all my training irrelevant. I however hypothesize that Ensign Thorn didn't just wound me physically, but mentally as well. Perhaps we are experiencing the same thing ?" T'kel asked. "Possibly – I’m no psychologist though,” she replied back, “Maybe a talk with one of the ships councillors might help. I feel a little better for it. I think its one of those things i’ll just need a bit of time with.” (reply T’kel) “Im open to any other suggestions you might have to help,” she added in feeling very responsible for T’kel. After all he wouldn’t have been in the room if she didn’t ask him to be there. (reply T’kel) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 1400) Janice had managed to sneak in a little sleep during the time between lunch but it was nothing like a full rest. The bags under her eyes were hidden a little by some make up over them. She looked over to one of the offices catching the eye of who she presume was the doctor she was after. “Doctor Vespers?” “Janice Hammerfield – here for the physical,” she nodded, “What’s first on the checklist,” (Reply Gabe) (USS Exeter – Sickbay –CTO/3O Lieutenant SG. Ravok & CSO Lieutenant Jg Erin Cortez– 1401) Sitting up on the biobed, Erin flexed her hands a little. The tingling she had felt in her extremities was lessening but she also knew that full recovery was not just the physical. The talk with Trip earlier in the day had given her food for thought and she knew that she had to face what had happened. So she sat, waiting for what, in her mind, was the inevitable conversation. The one she was not looking forward to. Ravok walked into the room and thanked the Nurse for escorting him in. He approached Erin with flowers in a vase and sat them on the table beside her bed. " I got these from the arboretum. Thought you would like them." He said and leaned over and kissed the top of her head. Closing her eyes as she felt the kiss on her head, she sighed heavily. "Thankyou. They're beautiful. " He sat down and clicked his commwatch. " Lieutenant Cortez, I'm going to ask you what happened. You are being audio recorded. This is for my notes so I can present a detailed report to the Captain. Please speak freely about the events in the holodeck. The more coherent and detailed you are the better ." "Where do I start?" She whispered. " At the beginning." He responded "Before I do, I need to say something to you." " Go on" Ravok insisted. "I'm sorry." She said to him. " For what ? My loss?" He asked. She nodded, knowing that what she was about to say was the thing she had dreaded. Taking a breath, she talked about being beamed into the holodeck, the rhyme that had been playing and what Ire had experienced. "He… put the knife in her. Knowing it wasn't Greta but he still did it… then she turned to me." " What happened next ?" "She asked me the same thing. Truth or death." Ravok leaned forward and clasped his hands. " And?" "I shouted. I refused to choose. I said that she had no power over me…" ~ You can do this Erin.~ Ravok thought. "Then she…. She killed Nesha because of it and…" Erin felt her breath catch in her as she fought to keep her emotions down but she knew that tears were falling, "... it's my fault. I am so sorry…" Ravok lowered his head " When I pursued an enemy in battle and fired on them I had no idea if they were going to fire at me in retaliation or fire at another member of my squadron. Lives are lost by situations beyond our control Erin. Her death was and will always be on Maxine, not you." He said as he reached out and grabbed her hand. " Is it really ?" Ravok heard a voice ask. He looked around and saw no one else in the room and shrugged it off. Feeling his hand on hers, she looked at him, "It… if I hadn’t done that, she might have been… Lathuel, I'm sorry." She closed her eyes and gripped his hand tighter, wanting almost to take comfort from him and knowing she had no right to do that. He shook her hand firmly. " You mean more to me than Nesha ever did. She was blood, but you're so much more to me. You have a place in my heart that will always be yours. Don't beat yourself up over this. " Looking at him, she smiled softly, "Easier said than done." Pausing for a moment, she looked into his eyes, "Full disclosure, there is something that I should tell you." Ravok nodded and withdrew his hand from hers. " Go on" "When Ensign More refused to play the game and I knew it was my turn… I didn't fight it. I… saw it as punishment for what I had done." Ravok looked her square in the eyes. " I know that feeling. Feeling the need to self punish myself for things that weren't my fault. It's one hell of a feeling." "I saw her. Wherever I was, whether was my mind trying to make sense of things I don't know. " " What do you mean you saw her? " He asked with confusion "I know… it sounds crazy. She told me I had the choice on whether to come back. She said to say to you…. hwiiy A mnek l'ta'fvull'aelmnaejaerhoaommuy. Don't couvæ a'e. My romulan might be a little rusty…" Ravok thought for a second. " Rusty isn't the word I'd use." He laughed slightly. "You just described every word while using the word. In my way I would say Hwiiy htaodt'ia'rhoinnie nhrai au mnekha di'ranov. Raed'aeusnnta'jhiy iebhe couvæ shaoi rinam. You see di'ranov means father without needing to describe what a father is. Shaoi rinam is you Erin you are an equal to me but not Romulan and yet my sister so shaoi rinam describes who you are to me, but I blame Nesha she always had a way of over complicating the language. Keira does the same thing. " He laughed. Smiling, Erin looked at him, "I told you it didn't make sense to me." " Do you know what it means ? " He asked. "No. I picked out the odd word but not the whole phrase." " It means , You will be a good father. Do not blame her. " Ravok answered "Oh…." She looked down. From somewhere in the back of her mind, from her counselling training she knew that this had probably been an attempt by her own mind to assuage guilt that she carried. " I don't need some message from deep within your consciousness to tell me to not blame you. Although the part about being a good father is heartwarming. I am trying." Ravok said with a warm smile. "That you are." She replied with a smile. " Erin, we Romulans feel emotions much deeper than you could ever imagine which is why our Vulcan ancestors resorted to suppressing emotions and embracing logic. So when I say that I love you. I mean it in a way that you will never be able to understand. " "I can understand to a degree. I just wish that I didn't have this in built guilt carrier thing in my head. I feel things. Deeply. You know that. I know this is going to take time to fully process. It's not going to be easy but… someone said to me that I can’t hide behind my trauma. I need to own it. I need to recognise it for what it is and not run. So this is me. Not running and trying to own what happened. " Ravok smirked. " You need to own it? I only need one guess to tell you who said that. Wouldn't happen to be a certain captain with incredible muscle tone would it? " He asked laughing a bit Smiling, Erin nodded. "That seems to be a family trait. Not the muscle tone before you say it. The advice." Ravok chuckled " I was about to say Sienna wasn't a towering heap of muscles, but trust me take any advice he gives you. He would give out words of wisdom to us on Mars. Trip is what we Romulans call a Elhs'hswiehv Ehsiu. Basically an old soul or well of knowledge." "He is. Jimmy's the same. He… " Blushing a little, she looked down, realised her hand was trembling a touch and put it on her knee. Ravok sat back in his chair. " You mean Gorgeous Jim?" Ravok asked laughing. " Erin shook her head, "I'll tell him you said that." Sighing softly, Erin smiled, "He's good. Good for me. Calls me out when I'm being an idiot. Kind of like now. Haven't had a chance to call him yet. But, knowing this fleet, he's going to already know what's happened. " " Tell him. Half the fighter wing called him that. " Ravok said and instantly felt a wave of sadness rush over him. " I mean they did." He said with a hushed tone. In his mind the sound of the ejection alarms on his fighter started going off. A harsh memory came to his mind. Erin watched him for a moment. She knew he carried things too. Things that would haunt them both for a long time. " Erin, we are done. I have to get going. I love you" Ravok said as he needed the recording on his commwatch, standing up he kissed her on the top of her head once more. "I understand. I should get some rest. I am hoping they let me out of here soon. Even if it is just to my own quarters. " " If you're up for it. You should come over one night for movie night. It's Rayna's turn to pick but she'll most likely defer her choice to Keira letting her pick, but that always ends with Keira picking something Rayna would have picked to begin with. If we're lucky it will be the movie about the bajoran fish named Yoka who searches for his friends in a coral reef. " Ravok said with a smile. "That sounds good. I can bring the best popcorn that Rayna will have ever tasted." " I think she'll like that very much ." "Go, work. Love you my brother." She replied. Ravok nodded his head and walked out of the room. His anxiety was through the roof as he walked away. ( reply none) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – CMO - Lt Gabe Vespers– 1405) Gabe had slowly caught up on something's, he had left the death certificates until he would be catching up with the Doctors on shift. He walked around Sickbay seeing the range of crew in the rooms, he had missed it but the last week had made him try to evaluate what he wanted in life. “Doctor Vespers?” a voice called him from behind. "Yes?" Gabe turned to face the woman “Janice Hammerfield – here for the physical,” she nodded, “What’s first on the checklist,” Looking her up and down he stood firm where he was. "There seems to be some confusion, I am expecting Lt Hammerfield." (Reply Hammerfield) "So you're in the incorrect uniform? Or is the ships roster wrong?" (Reply Hammerfield) "Hmm" Gabe said pointing to the main bed at the top of the room "if you seat yourself I'll be over in a moment Ms Hammerfield" (Reply Hammerfield, any) (USS Exeter – Sickbay – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 1406) "There seems to be some confusion, I am expecting Lt Hammerfield." "No I’m the right me,” she patted her body. "So you're in the incorrect uniform? Or is the ships roster wrong?" "Its complicated,” she tilted her head to the side, “The roster is right – the uniform not so much. I’ve not really had the chance to sort things out yet.” It wasn’t a complete lie, more of an omission as she would rather not bring up the topic again if she could avoid it. Hide original message "Hmm" Gabe said pointing to the main bed at the top of the room "if you seat yourself I'll be over in a moment Ms Hammerfield" “Sure thing,” she moved over to the room pointed out and removed her jacket. Folding it she sat it on a chair to the side and with a small jump hopped up onto the side of the bed waiting for the doctors return. Covering her mouth she let out a small yawn. (Reply Gabe) “Is it the full physical this time or just the interim check-up?” she asked, “I can never remember what one I’m on. And that’s not that I have trouble remembering things. Just uh... don’t really find these interesting. I mean... they are important...” Janice stopped and looked at Gabe, “Yea, ok. I’m going to shut up before I dig a hole through to the bottom of the ship.” (reply Gabe, any) (USS Exeter – Sickbay - CSO Lt Jg Erin Cortez & Counsellor - Sigmund Rogers - 1504) Lying back in the biobed, Erin sighed. Her physical injuries were all but healed and she wanted to get out. Out of sickbay and back to her quarters but she had yet to be released. Sighing, she flexed her hands, feeling a slight tingle in the extremities. Closing her eyes for a moment, a flash of the light that she had seen before the electricity had hit her flew before her eyes. Knowing that she was trembling a touch, she opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. Rogers approached Erin gently and cautiously. “Hello Erin, I am Counselor Ziggy Rogers,” he said with a faint smile. “Captain Williams asked me to talk to you. I’m glad to see you’re doing well. You’ve been through a lot.” "A lot is the polite word for it." She replied, sitting up slowly. "Been expecting you to be honest." “My friends tell me I’m the king of understatement.” Rogers said, taking a seat next to the bed. “So what would you want to talk to me about?” "I know what the captain wants me to talk about so how about we start there? Rogers couldn’t help but chuckle. All of these starfleet officers only care to meet with a counselor when commanded, it seems. “So what is it captain wants you to talk about?” "Let's see, kidnapped, held hostage, watched a member of my staff die, watched a friend kill twice albeit one was a hologram of his fiancé and then there is the fact that I was electrocuted and pretty much died." “Yes, Captain is concerned about trauma. Any one of those things would be a traumatic experience.” "Used to trauma. But, to be honest, this has been different…" Erin’s voice trailed off as she took a breath. “It’s ok, go on.” "I… welcomed what happened. Saw it as punishment because I, in my head, caused the death of someone close to me." She replied, honestly. Normally Rogers was a smooth talker, but even he missed a beat. “Do you think that now?” "Now… part of me does. But that's a part of me that has always run. I mean, hidden from what has happened to me. Found crackpot ways to try and cope. I can't do that anymore. " “I’m glad you recognize that. If you run too long you get exhausted.” "I'm exhausted. I'll be honest. But not for that reason. I've been through a lot in my life and now, I have a job that I love, friends and someone that accepts me for who I am and calls me out when I'm being an idiot. " Rogers chuckled, “That sounds like a good foundation, right? You enjoy what you’re doing, you have good friends, and they keep you accountable. So why do you say you’re exhausted?” "Physically. I feel like I've been ten rounds with a Klingon. Mentally, this brought things, feelings back that I had dealt with." “I’ll let Dr. Kruze handle the physical. So this experience opened up old wounds.” "In a way. A lot I have dealt with and moved on but some are more raw than others." “Tell me more.” Erin looked at him for a moment and smiled softly, "Well, let's see. An abusive ex broke my collar bone and had me believing that I was worthless, my first posting on Mars, I got a megalomaniac Cardassian Scientist in my head and carried his memories of some atrocities whilst attacking members of the crew in an effort to escape. Now, the man who showed me that i was worthy of intimacy was murdered, a member of my department and a close friend died as well." Sigmund Rogers was never taught how to handle such situations in school. There was an uncomfortable silence for a few moments as he tried to wrap his mind around what he had just been told. “No words can express my sympathy Lieutenant. That is an awful lot to endure.” Erin nodded, "And yet here I am. That counts for something right?" “Of course.” "Someone told me recently that owning your trauma is healthy. Not hiding what has happened and not hiding behind it is no bad thing. I have been through it, that is a matter of record. But now, I am not running. Younger me would have. Did infact. Me here and now, I don’t want to do that." “I’m very glad to hear that. I don’t want tominimize what you’ve been through, it is, of course, a horror. But it does sound to me like you have a good foundation, and you know what you need to do to heal.” "That’s true. That and there's someone on Mars who would be the first one to call me out if I slid down the self pity route." She smiled gently. “I think I have what I need for my report.” Rogers said as he got up, “But please know, if you need anyone to talk to, I’m always available.” "I'll remember that. I trained as a counselor. I know a good one when I see one. You have a great career ahead of you." Rogers smiled, “well thank you. See you around.” (Reply None) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< End Compile >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<